Back on the Bandwagon

As with every new year, one of the things I really want to focus on this year is eating right and exercising. I know that sounds so cliche, but the reality hit me around one week before Christmas, when I was sick, yet again, with a nasty stomach virus. You see, it seems I get this virus at least twice a year, sometimes three, and I had a very bad case in September that lasted nearly a week. As you could guess, I was shocked when I got it again only a few months later. Then, my husband so graciously reminded me that it's probably due to the fact that I didn't exactly have the healthiest diet. He asked me how many fruits I eat in a day, and my answer was, "Some days, none." Sad, I know, but I'm just being honest :(  So, in hopes of taking better taking care and nourishing my body, I've decided that things have got to change. I've been making sure that I eat at least three servings of fruit a day (still not enough, I know, but it's a start) and the same goes for vegetables. One way I've been doing this is by making these delicious Green Monster Smoothies...

Source: Money Saving Mom

 

 

Yes, you heard me right, I said delicious! I have to modify the recipe a bit, simply due to the fact that I have only a single serve blender, and cannot fit all the ingredients in one cup by following the measurements given. (Oh, and I also use regular vanilla yogurt and almond milk-not unsweetened.) But, if you have a regular blender then the recipe below would be fine for you to follow...

 

Ingredients:

1 frozen sliced banana
1 Tablespoon peanut butter
1/2 cup 0% Vanilla Chobani Greek yogurt
1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze (or other kind of milk)
4 cups baby spinach (or more, or less)

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Nutritional stats:
350 calories, 10g fiber, 21g protein
Source: Iowa Girl Eats

Now, for the working out part...

I have found that I really enjoy workouts that involve lots of cardio, strength training and plyometrics (jumping, hopping, etc.) That is why I was so excited to come across Claire's blog, at Peak 313 Fitness! And, bonus- she is a very Godly woman. Since I am a very visual learner, I love the fact that she has instructional videos that she also posts. Here are a few of my fav's so far...



I did a few of these last night, and am starting to feel it!




Haven't tried this one yet...but it's coming!




I'm going to try this one this weekend.



Do you think my neighbors will think I'm crazy when they see me doing this one?! Oh, well, let them think what they want! Haha!

She has many more videos, but these are just a few that I really enjoyed. When I really get into a routine of working out, I enjoy it so much. And, let's be honest, seeing the results of your hard work is also exciting, right? Believe it or not, but I secretly would love to become a personal trainer one day, and this woman inspires me so much. I hope you are encouraged as well and will try some of these workouts.